It is reported "that mighty mountains subsided,
plains were heaved into high hills: and that with flashes and eruptions of
fire, the mighty devastation was everywhere accompanied." The Sardians
felt most heavily the rage of the concussion, and therefore most
compassion: Tiberius promised them an hundred thousand great sesterces,
[Footnote: L83,000.] and remitted their taxes for five years. The
inhabitants of Magnesia, under Mount Sipylus, were held the next in
sufferings, and had proportionable relief. The Temnians, Philadelphians,
the Aegeatans, Apollonians, with those called the Mostenians or
Macedonians of Hyrcania, the cities too of Hierocaesarea, Cyme, and
Tmolus, were all for the same term eased of tribute. It was likewise
resolved to send one of the Senate to view the desolations and administer
proper remedies: Marcus Aletus was therefore chosen, one of Praetorian
rank; because, a Consular Senator then governing Asia, had another of the
like quality been sent, an emulation between equals was apprehended, and
consequently opposition and delays.
The credit of this noble bounty to the public, he increased by private
liberalities, which proved equally popular: the estate of the wealthy
Aemilia Musa, claimed by the exchequer, as she died intestate, he
surrendered to Aemilius Lepidus, to whose family she seemed to belong; as
also to Marcus Servilius the inheritance of Patuleius, a rich Roman
knight, though part of it had been bequeathed to himself; but he found
Servilius named sole heir in a former and well-attested will.
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